2 of 19

Write now Article Tools

The common myths about diabetes are not just harmless tall tales. They are dangerous because they keep people who may be diabetic from seeking professional care. There may be a grain of truth to them, but that grain could be the last one in the hour glass of your life. Diabetes is serious business.

*Diabetes Is Caused By Eating Too Much Sugar

False! Eating sugar doesn't cause diabetes. The actual cause of diabetes is still unknown. There are certain cases that have been attribute to surgery, malnutrition, drugs, infections, and illnesses.

*Diabetics Are Always Obese

One of the symptoms of diabetes is sudden weight loss. While it is true that using insulin to control your diabetes can make it difficult to control your weight, with a proper diet and exercise regimen, a diabetic can be as slim as anyone.

*I'll know If I Get Diabetes

You can't know you have diabetes without being tested by a doctor. Some symptoms are mild and may be ignored for a long time. The most common symptoms are excessive thirst, more frequent urination, extreme hunger, sudden vision changes, tingling in hands and feet, slow healing sores and frequent infections.

*Diabetes Can Be Cured With Insulin

There is no cure for diabetes. Insulin simply provides what the pancreas of a diabetic cannot produce. However, diabetes can be controlled with diet, exercise and insulin. Diet and exercise would benefit anyone whether they were diabetic or not.

*Diabetics Can Eat Anything Except Sugar

Wrong! Many foods have high amounts of their own naturally occurring sugar, which will raise the blood glucose as quickly as cane sugar. Foods such as pears, pineapples, apples, grapes and figs all have a high concentration of sugar.

*Diabetics Can't Eat Carbohydrates

Wrong! Everyone has to eat carbohydrates. A healthy diet includes 50-60% carbohydrates, 12-20% protein and no more than 30% fat. It's the type of carbohydrates that has to be monitored. Vegetables containing high amounts of starch and sugar are absorbed into the body as glucose; green leafy vegetables are not.

*Diabetic Diets Are Bland

False! A diabetic diet need not be bland. Controlling fat and sugar intake doesn't mean you can't eat delicious meals. Spices, herbs and marinades can turn the blandest foot into a feast. Battered and baked chicken is every bit as tasty as fried chicken but it has less fat.

*Diabetics Go Blind, End Up Losing Limbs and Die Young

This is not written in stone. If, a diabetic does not take proper care of their health, it can lead to blindness, amputation and even early death. Exercise, proper diet, monitoring of glucose levels and regular medical and eye exams will lead to a healthy life.

*Diabetes Is Contagious

False! According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diabetes is a disorder of the body's metabolism in which the glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body.

Pay no attention to the common myths about diabetes. Learn the facts and protect yourself with regular eye and medical check-ups. If you are diagnosed as diabetic, be active in your care and follow your doctor's advice. You could add years to your life.

Sources

www.diabetes.org
ww w.diabetes.com

Learn more about this author, Pamela Kay.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Common myths about diabetes?
We want to hear your view. Write now!